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USGS2019

Chemical controls for an integrated pest management program

Chemical controls ranging from natural products to synthesized chemicals are widely used in aquatic pest management activities. Chemicals can be used to lure organisms to traps or can cause direct mortality by altering the physiological function of an organism. Much of what is known about controlling pests with chemicals is from research done on terrestrial pesticides. This paper focuses on how chemicals might be used as aquatic pesticides to control or eradicate aquatic invasive species. Current control tools are described, as are new technologies designed to selectively target the pest to reduce risks to nontarget organisms and the environment.

North American Journal of Fisheries Management↗

USGS1982

Potential secondary hazards of Avitrol baits to sharp-shinned hawks and american kestrels

Avitrol© is the registered trade name of a number of proprietary bird control products containing the active ingredient 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Several formulations of Avitrol are available to pest control applicators for use in agricultural areas. Although individual treated bait particles contain from 0.5 to 3.0% 4-AP, the amount present in the 14 federally registered products ranges from 0.3 to 1.0%, depending on the proportion of treated to untreated particles in the ready-to-use baits. Individual birds in depredating flocks ingesting 1 or more of the treated particles exhibit erratic behavior which frightens other birds in the flock. Numerous published references are available which describe the use and results of 1 or more of these products under a variety of conditions (Goodhue and Baumgartner 1965, DeGrazio et al. 1972, Stickley et al. 1972, Dolbeer et al. 1976, Stickley et al. 1976, Besser and Guarino 1977, Knittle et al. 1977, Mott 1977, Stick ley et al. 1977, Besser 1978, Woronecki et al. 1979).

Journal of Wildlife Management↗

USGS2021

Registration and application of sea lamprey pheromones for sea lamprey control in the United States and Canada

Since the identification of 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol as a lampricide in the 1950s, control of sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes has largely relied on lampricides, barriers, and traps. Lampricide treatments target larval lampreys in tributaries of the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission oversees sea lamprey control efforts and has invested in technologies that may target other life stages to provide a more integrated approach to sea lamprey control. One technology under development is the use of pheromones to alter behavior of spawning adults. Pheromones are considered biopesticides , which are substances made from naturally occurring products, or derived from living organisms, or a microorganism, that controls pests. We provide a review of sea lamprey management that led to the development of pheromone registration. We also describe the process used to register the first vertebrate pheromone, 3-ketopetromyzonal-24-sulfate (3kPZS) in the United States and Canada and its potential uses in sea lamprey control as a supplemental tool to chemical lampricides.

Journal of Great Lakes Research↗

USGS2021

Surface material and snout-vent length predict vertical scaling ability in brown treesnakes:an evaluation of multispecies barriers for invasive species control on Guam

The combination of snake-proof barriers and an aerial toxicant delivery system for snake suppression may allow large-scale control of invasive brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) on Guam. However, suppression or local eradication of several other species (e.g., introduced ungulates, cats, rodents) may be required for successful restoration and recovery of forest habitat and reintroduction of native fauna. Island-wide eradication of invasive species is unlikely on Guam, and existing snake-proof barriers are largely ineffective against cats, rodents, shrews, or monitors. Improved barrier technology and pest-control tools may together provide a viable solution to support localized restoration of species and habitats. We designed and tested prototype multispecies barriers using materials known to repel ungulates, cats, and rodents, with a focus on testing the ability of a rolled hood installed over three different mesh designs to repel brown treesnakes and black rats (Rattus rattus). Woven wire (4.9 × 12 mm aperture, 2.5 mm dia. wire) repelled 99.1% of all snakes, including ≥1031 breach attempts by 112 individuals and 2 successful breaches by 1 small individual. Woven wire (6 × 6 mm aperture, 2.7 mm dia. wire) repelled 100% of all snakes, including 611 breach attempts by 65 individuals. Mini chain link mesh (7 × 9 mm aperture, 1 mm dia. wire) repelled 100% of all snakes, including 1053 breach attempts by 97 individuals. Brown treesnakes were unable to climb either of the two woven wire designs (1642 breach attempts by 160 individuals), making the rolled hood serve as a redundant secondary snake barrier. The rolled hood repelled 100% of all snakes when individuals were provided a climbable surface to access the hood (94 breach attempts by 39 snakes). The probability of a snake being able to climb the mini chain link mesh was inversely related to SVL. The rolled hood repelled 100% of all rats, with 5079 breach attempts by 21 individuals. Recommended next steps include consultation with engineers to address wind loading, structural integrity, material interactions, and integration of decision support tools to optimize cost and efficacy of barrier designs on the landscape.

Management of Biological Invasions.↗

USGS2023

Biotic and abiotic factors shaping bat activity in Maryland soybean fields

Bats are important pest control agents in agriculture. Yet, the underlying fine-scale biotic and abiotic mechanisms that drive their foraging behaviors and responses to insect outbreaks are unclear. Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) can attract both invertebrate and vertebrate natural enemies that use the chemical plant cues to locate insect prey. The ability of HIPVs to attract multiple species raises the question of whether they may also be a biotic factor influencing insectivorous bat activity. Additionally, abiotic factors, such as weather conditions, can affect bat activity in agricultural settings, but little is known about how bats respond to shifting environmental conditions on short timescales in this landscape context. Using a model crop system, soybean ( Glycine max ), our study asked three questions: (1) Which bat species are active in eastern Maryland soybean fields? (2) Is insectivorous bat activity affected by naturally occurring soybean HIPVs and/or synthetic soybean HIPVs (indole or farnesene)? (3) How is insectivorous bat activity affected by hourly weather conditions in this landscape? In soybean fields in eastern Maryland, we created paired treatment plots: HIPV plots (damaged plants or synthetic HIPV dispensers) and control plots (undamaged plants or empty dispensers). We measured bat activity using ultrasonic recorders, summarizing hourly and nightly activity, and detected 10 total species. The most abundant species were big brown/silver-haired bats ( Eptesicus fuscus / Lasionycteris noctivagans ). Bat activity did not significantly differ between control and HIPV plots in any of the three experiments. Thus, our results do not support our expectation that bats in eastern Maryland use soybean HIPVs to locate insect prey. However, bat activity did increase with increasing average hourly temperature and wind speed. This initial study of bats and HIPVs, as well as the fine-scale examination of weather conditions on bat activity, may serve as a guide for future research on bat–plant interactions that can support the development of new strategies for sustainable pest management.

Maryland↗

USGS2015

Toxicity reference values for chlorophacinone and their application for assessing anticoagulant rodenticide risk to raptors

Despite widespread use and benefit, there are growing concerns regarding hazards of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides to non-target wildlife which may result in expanded use of first-generation compounds, including chlorophacinone (CPN). The toxicity of CPN over a 7-day exposure period was investigated in American kestrels ( Falco sparverius ) fed either rat tissue mechanically-amended with CPN, tissue from rats fed Rozol ® bait (biologically-incorporated CPN), or control diets (tissue from untreated rats or commercial bird of prey diet) ad libitum. Nominal CPN concentrations in the formulated diets were 0.15, 0.75 and 1.5 µg/g food wet weight, and measured concentrations averaged 94 % of target values. Kestrel food consumption was similar among groups and body weight varied by less than 6 %. Overt signs of intoxication, liver CPN residues, and changes in prothrombin time (PT), Russell’s viper venom time (RVVT) and hematocrit, were generally dose-dependent. Histological evidence of hemorrhage was present at all CPN dose levels, and most frequently observed in pectoral muscle and heart. There were no apparent differences in toxicity between mechanically-amended and biologically-incorporated CPN diet formulations. Dietary-based toxicity reference values at which clotting times were prolonged in 50 % of the kestrels were 79.2 µg CPN consumed/kg body weight-day for PT and 39.1 µg/kg body weight-day for RVVT. Based upon daily food consumption of kestrels and previously reported CPN concentrations found in small mammals following field baiting trials, these toxicity reference values might be exceeded by free-ranging raptors consuming such exposed prey. Tissue-based toxicity reference values for coagulopathy in 50 % of exposed birds were 0.107 µg CPN/g liver wet weight for PT and 0.076 µg/g liver for RVVT, and are below the range of residue levels reported in raptor mortality incidents attributed to CPN exposure. Sublethal responses associated with exposure to environmentally realistic concentrations of CPN could compromise survival of free-ranging raptors, and should be considered in weighing the costs and benefits of anticoagulant rodenticide use in pest control and eradication programs.

Ecotoxicology↗

USGS2025

Sapsucker wells as a keystone nutritional resource: Evaluating methods for detection of secondary sap consumers

North American sapsuckers are considered double keystone species because they (1) excavate nest cavities that are used by other birds, small mammals, and invertebrates, and (2) create and maintain sap wells, a temporary nutritional resource available to a variety of secondary consumers. Most previous reports of secondary sap consumption relied on human observers and were based on either brief or incidental observations. However, modern technology can greatly enhance observational techniques and provide additional insights into the functional, community-level importance of sap wells. We used visual surveys, camera traps, and environmental DNA (eDNA) to identify secondary consumers of sap from wells created by red-naped ( Sphyrapicus nuchalis ) and Williamson's ( S. thyroideus ) sapsuckers among three functional groups of shrubs and trees in south-central Colorado: shrub willows ( Salix spp.), Rocky Mountain maple ( Acer glabrum ), and conifer trees (Pinopsida). Camera traps and eDNA revealed additional sap-well visitors not identified from direct observations. Camera traps were effective for detecting nocturnal sap-well visitors such as small rodents as well as occasional diurnal visitors. Environmental DNA analyses corroborated findings from other methods and identified four additional taxa as possible sap consumers. The physiology of sap-well visitors, such as the ability to taste and assimilate compounds within sap, may aid in determining consumption versus contact when evaluating the results of eDNA analyses. Total vertebrate taxa detected using all 3 methods included 17 bird taxa in 10 families within 3 orders and 8 mammal taxa in 6 families within 4 orders. Shrub-willow sap wells attracted the most diverse vertebrate taxa (23), followed by Rocky Mountain maple (13) and conifer trees (10). Invertebrates in 13 families within 3 orders were observed feeding from sap wells during visual surveys. Because many secondary sap consumers perform ecological services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control, the methods described here may aid in elucidating the importance of sap-well creators in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

Colorado↗

USGS2008

Alien dominance of the parasitoid wasp community along an elevation gradient on Hawai'i Island

Through intentional and accidental introduction, more than 100 species of alien Ichneumonidae and Braconidae (Hymenoptera) have become established in the Hawaiian Islands. The extent to which these parasitoid wasps have penetrated native wet forests was investigated over a 1,765 m elevation gradient on windward Hawai'i Island. For >1 year, malaise traps were used to continuously monitor parasitoid abundance and species richness in nine sites over three elevations. A total of 18,996 individuals from 16 subfamilies were collected. Overall, the fauna was dominated by aliens, with 44 of 58 species foreign to the Hawaiian Islands. Ichneumonidae was dominant over Braconidae in terms of both diversity and abundance, comprising 67.5% of individuals and 69.0% of species collected. Parasitoid abundance and species richness varied significantly with elevation: abundance was greater at mid and high elevations compared to low elevation while species richness increased with increasing elevation, with all three elevations differing significantly from each other. Nine species purposely introduced to control pest insects were found, but one braconid, Meteorus laphygmae, comprised 98.0% of this assemblage, or 28.3% of the entire fauna. Endemic species, primarily within the genera Spolas and Enicospilus, were collected almost exclusively at mid- and high-elevation sites, where they made up 22.1% and 36.0% of the total catch, respectively. Overall, 75.9% of species and 96.0% of individuals are inferred to parasitize Lepidoptera larvae and pupae. Our results support previous data indicating that alien parasitoids have deeply penetrated native forest habitats and may have substantial impacts on Hawaiian ecosystems. ?? 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Biological Invasions↗

USGS2012

Assessment of toxicity and potential risk of the anticoagulant rodenticide diphacinone using Eastern screech-owls (Megascops asio)

In the United States, new regulatory restrictions have been placed on the use of some second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. This action may be offset by expanded use of first-generation compounds (e.g., diphacinone; DPN). Single-day acute oral exposure of adult Eastern screech-owls (Megascops asio) to DPN evoked overt signs of intoxication, coagulopathy, histopathological lesions (e.g., hemorrhage, hepatocellular vacuolation), and/ or lethality at doses as low as 130 mg/kg body weight, although there was no dose-response relation. However, this single-day exposure protocol does not mimic the multiple-day field exposures required to cause mortality in rodent pest species and non-target birds and mammals. In 7-day feeding trials, similar toxic effects were observed in owls fed diets containing 2.15, 9.55 or 22.6 ppm DPN, but at a small fraction (<5%) of the acute oral dose. In the dietary trial, the average lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level for prolonged clotting time was 1.68 mg DPN/kg owl/week (0.24 mg/kg owl/day; 0.049 mg/owl/day) and the lowest lethal dose was 5.75 mg DPN/kg owl/week (0.82 mg/kg owl/day). In this feeding trial, DPN concentration in liver ranged from 0.473 to 2.21 μg/g wet weight, and was directly related to the daily and cumulative dose consumed by each owl. A probabilistic risk assessment indicated that daily exposure to as little as 3-5 g of liver from DPN-poisoned rodents for 7 days could result in prolonged clotting time in the endangered Hawaiian shorteared owl (Asio flammeus sandwichensis) and Hawaiian hawk (Buteo solitarius), and daily exposure to greater quantities (9-13 g of liver) could result in low-level mortality. These findings can assist natural resource managers in weighing the costs and benefits of anticoagulant rodenticide use in pest control and eradication programs.

Ecotoxicology↗

USGS2026

Global change and threats to waterbirds in the Asian flyways

Avian migration represents one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, providing critical ecological services and acting as an indicator of environmental change. Flyways are geographical ranges through which migrating bird species move, and the flyway concept has been used to identify countries that share species to highlight their collective responsibility for conservation. Of the nine recognized global waterbird flyways, the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF) are among the most important areas in Eurasia, supporting millions of waterbirds across a vast network of habitats. We proposed this special issue in Avian Research entitled “Global Change and Threats to Waterbirds in the Asian Flyways” to synthesize recent findings from 12 papers covering a wide range of topics. The CAF stretches from the Siberian tundra through Central Asia including Mongolia, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Trans-Caucasus, and the Himalayas, extending south to the Indian subcontinent and parts of the Middle East. The EAAF spans eastern Siberia and Alaska to Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, including China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and the Russian Far East. These two flyways include 47 countries comprising critical wetlands, river basins, and coastal areas, which are vital breeding, stopover, and wintering grounds for waterbirds. Seasonal migration in these flyways is fundamentally influenced by climate and weather conditions, land cover dynamics, and anthropogenic activities, and contributes significantly to ecological processes such as pest control, nutrient cycling, and organism dispersal. However, migratory waterbirds and their habitats are undergoing enormous challenges. Changes in climate, habitat availability and connectivity, and human activities are altering the phenology, distribution, population dynamics, and health of the migratory bird populations. As migratory waterbirds travel across international boundaries, understanding their movements and responses to environmental change requires collaborative, cross-border research efforts that promote knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary approaches.

Avian Research↗

USGS2006

Population momentum across vertebrate life histories

Population abundance is critically important in conservation, management, and demographic theory. Thus, to better understand how perturbations to the life history affect long-term population size, we examined population momentum for four vertebrate classes with different life history strategies. In a series of demographic experiments we show that population momentum generally has a larger effect on long-term population size for organisms with long generation times than for organisms with short generation times. However, patterns between population momentum and generation time varied across taxonomic groups and according to the life history parameter that was changed. Our findings indicate that momentum may be an especially important aspect of population dynamics for long-lived vertebrates, and deserves greater attention in life history studies. Further, we discuss the importance of population momentum in natural resource management, pest control, and conservation arenas. ?? 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ecological Modelling↗

USGS2024

Evaluation of anticoagulant rodenticide sensitivity by examining in vivo and in vitro responses in avian species, focusing on raptors

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used to control pest rodent species but can result in secondary poisoning of non-target animals, especially raptors. In the present study, differences in AR sensitivity among avian species were evaluated by comparing in vivo warfarin pharmacokinetics and effects, measuring cytochrome P450s (CYPs) expression involved in AR metabolism, and conducting in vitro inhibition assays of the AR target enzyme Vitamin K 2,3-epoxide reductase (VKOR). Oral administration of warfarin at 4 mg/kg body weight did not prolong prothrombin time in chickens ( Gallus gallus ), rock pigeons ( Columba livia ), or Eastern buzzards ( Buteo japonicus ). Rock pigeons and buzzards exhibited shorter plasma half-life of warfarin compared to chickens. For the metabolite analysis, 4′-hydroxywarfarin was predominantly detected in all birds, while 10-hydroxywarfarin was only found in pigeons and raptors, indicating interspecific differences in AR metabolism among birds likely due to differential expression of CYP enzymes involved in the metabolism of ARs and variation of VKOR activities among these avian species. The present findings, and results of our earlier investigations, demonstrate pronounced differences in AR sensitivity and pharmacokinetics among bird species, and in particular raptors. While ecological risk assessment and mitigation efforts for ARs have been extensive, AR exposure and adverse effects in predatory and scavenging wildlife continues. Toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic data will assist in such risk assessments and mitigation efforts.

Environmental Pollution↗

USGS2006

Transition to independence by subadult beavers (Castor canadensis) in an unexploited, exponentially growing population

We conducted a 4-year study of beavers Castor canadensis to compare the movements, survival and habitat of adults established in existing colonies to juveniles dispersing to new sites in a region with high beaver densities along a suburban-rural gradient. Estimates of annual survival were high for adult and juvenile beavers. Of nine known mortalities, seven (78%) were juveniles. Mortalities occurred during spring-summer, and none during fall-winter. There was a trend toward higher-to-lower survival along the suburban-rural gradient, respectively. Human-induced mortality (e.g. trapping and shooting) was higher in rural areas, whereas nonhuman-induced mortality (e.g. disease, accidents) was higher in suburban areas. Fifteen (14 subadults and one adult) beavers moved from natal colonies to other areas. The average dispersal distance for subadults was 4.5 km (SE = 1.0) along streams or rivers, or 3.5 km (SE = 0.7) straight-line point-to-point. Most dispersal movements were made in spring (April-June). In two cases, individual subadults made return movements from their dispersal sites back to their natal colonies. Dispersal sites tended to be in smaller, shallower wetlands or streams and in areas with higher overstorey canopy closure compared with natal colonies. Woody vegetation usually preferred by beavers for food tended to be less common at dispersal sites than at natal colonies. In regions with high densities of beaver, dispersing juveniles are likely to attempt to colonize lower quality sites. High densities of beavers also lead to more human-beaver conflicts and, in Massachusetts, the pest control management options in place during the past decade have been ineffectual at controlling population levels. Alternately, in regions with no beavers or very low densities and where reintroductions are being attempted, the landscape matrix surrounding release sites should include suitable sites for dispersing young to establish colonies.

Journal of Zoology↗

USGS1981

Sterilization of sea lampreys ( Petromyzon marinus ) by immersion in an aqueous solution of bisazir

Groups of sea lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus ) eggs fertilized by males previously immersed in an aqueous solution of p , p -bis(1-aziridinyl)- N -methylphosphinothioic amide (bisazir) at concentrations of 10–100&ensp;mg/L produced fewer normal, live prolarvae after 15–17&ensp;d of incubation than did groups of eggs fertilized by normal males. Mortality of embryos or prolarvae was nearly 100% in groups of eggs fertilized by males that had been immersed in a 50&ensp;mg/L solution of bisazir for 4&ensp;h or in a 100&ensp;mg/L solution for 2&ensp;h. The immersion technique appears to be an efficient method of sterilizing large numbers of male sea lampreys for use in a proposed sterile-male-release program. Key words : sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus ; pest control, fish control, sterile-male technique, sterilization, chemosterilants, bisazir, Great Lakes

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences↗

USGS1965

Effects of field applications of heptachlor on bobwhite quail and other wild animals

A study of the effects of field applications of heptachlor on bobwhite quail ( Colinus uirginianus ) and other animals was conducted on three similar areas, two in Decatur County, Georgia, and one in Escambia County, Alabama, from February, 1958, to March, 1962. Heptachlor in granules was applied by aircraft on the Georgia areas for eradication of the imported fire ant ( Solenopsis saevissima ). Applications were directed by personnel of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Plant Pest Control Division. The Alabama area remained untreated. Transects where whistling cocks were counted were superimposed on areas where coveys were counted. Size of areas varied from 14,000 to 20,000 acres. Each area had six transects, totaling 11,000 acres. Whistling cock bobwhites and coveys averaged 28 and 20 per 1,000 acres, respectively, the year before treatment on a Georgia area, and cocks and coveys averaged 25 per 1,000 acres for the duration of the study on the untreated Alabama area. Where portions of an area were treated at 2 pounds of heptachlor per acre, whistling cocks and coveys were reduced significantly, with a greater reduction where a greater amount of land was treated on the area or its transects. A decline of cocks and coveys also followed 1/2-pound applications (approaching statistical significance for coveys). Three years after treatment, cock and covey numbers were below those recorded before treatment. Whistling cocks and coveys also declined on adjoining land which remained untreated (significant for cocks, approaching significance for coveys). This decline was attributed to movements of bobwhites from untreated land to repopulate treated land. There is evidence that some loss occurred in bobwhites after they moved from untreated to treated land; the decrease in each instance was ascribed to the application of heptachlor. Songbirds were listed on the two Georgia areas. The first summer, eight more species and 458 more individuals of permanent resident birds were listed on the untreated area than on the treated area. After half of the originally untreated area was treated with heptachlor at 2 pounds per acre the following winter, the number of resident birds declined 37 percent. Some species of summer resident birds could not be found on treated land after heptachlor was applied. A small plot of 4 acres was intensively searched for dead and dying animals, and observations were made on living animals. Forty-seven days after treatment, no live animals were seen or heard on the plot, and a total of 38 dead animals had been found. Soils were sampled twice after treatment, and residues had declined in the second lot of samples. Twice animals also were obtained for analysis, and residues declined in the second group. Numbers of birds increased in the same period.

Alabama, Georgia↗

USGS1970

Soil-food chain-pesticide wildlife relationships in aldrin-treated fields

Soil-food-chain-pesticide wildlife relationships were investigated to learn the concentration of pesticide residues present in soils, macro-invertebrates, vertebrates, and seeds as a result of annual applications of aldrin at recommended rates for pest control. Two central Missouri cornfields treated with aldrin at 1 lb/acre, for 16 and 15 of the past 17 years, were selected for study during 1965-67. Primary samples collected for residue analyses included soils, earthworms (Lumbricidae), crickets (Gryllidae), and two kinds of ground beetles (Carabidae) obtained during early April, June, August, and October. Vertebrates and plant seeds collected during 1967 included white-footed mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus ), toads ( Bufo americanus ), snakes ( Thamnophis sirtalis and Pituophis sayi ), corn ( Zea Mays ), foxtail ( Setaria Faberii ), and annual sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ). Pesticide residues consisted primarily of dieldrin, the degradation product of aldrin. Combined aldrin and dieldrin residues, as two field all-season averages, wet weight basis, were: soils, 0.31 ppm; earthworms, 1.49 ppm; crickets, 0.23 ppm; Harpalus ground beetles, 1.10 ppm; Poecilus ground beetles, 9.67 ppm; white-footed mice, 0.98 ppm; toads, 3.53 ppm; garter snakes, 12.35 ppm; and corn, foxtail, and sunflower seeds less than 0.02 ppm each. Unusually high average residues (37.48 ppm) in Poecilus beetles during June, 1967, were attributed to abnormally high soil moisture and predacious feeding habits of these insects.

Missouri↗

USGS2017

U.S. Geological Survey—Energy and wildlife research annual report for 2017

Introduction Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems provide valuable services to humans and are a source of clean water, energy, raw materials, and productive soils. The Nation’s food supply is more secure because of wildlife. For example, native pollinators enhance agricultural crops, and insect-eating bats provide pest control services worth billions of dollars to farmers annually. Fish and wildlife are also vital to a vibrant outdoor recreation and tourism industry. Recreational activities, such as hunting, shooting, boating, and angling, generated \$1.1 billion in excise taxes paid to State wildlife agencies in 2017. National parks, wildlife refuges, and monuments accounted for $35 billion in economic output and 318,000 jobs nationwide in 2016. Additional economic benefits are generated from the use and enjoyment of wildlife in State-owned lands and waters. Although the United States is rich in natural resources, human activity continues to place new pressures on fish and wildlife and the habitats they rely on. The United States became the world’s top producer of petroleum and natural gas products in 2012, surpassing Russia’s natural gas production levels in 2009 and Saudi Arabia’s petroleum production in 2013. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that the demand for liquid fuel, natural gas, and renewable energy will show strong growth in the next 20 years. Wind energy has demonstrated consistent growth since 2007 with now more than 53,000 wind turbines contributing to power grids in 41 States, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Solar energy has seen rapid growth since 2013 and made up nearly one-third of the total electricity generation additions in 2016. Yet as our Nation works to advance energy security and sustain wildlife, some conflicts have surfaced. Impacts of an expanding energy infrastructure include fragmentation and loss of habitat as well as mortality of birds, bats, fish, and other animals from interactions with energy generation facilities. Because energy development can often occur in wildlife habitats, ecological science can help guide project siting and operational decisions to areas that present the lowest risk to wildlife and energy developers. To address these challenges and make the most of new opportunities, the U.S. Geological Survey is producing innovative science to develop workable solutions that can help sustain wildlife and the habitat they rely upon, while allowing informed development.

Circular↗

USGS2012

Understanding pesticides in California's Delta

The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta) is the hub of California’s water system and also an important habitat for imperiled fish and wildlife. Aquatic organisms are exposed to mixtures of pesticides that flow through the maze of Delta water channels from sources including agricultural, landscape, and urban pest-control applications. While we do not know all of the effects pesticides have on the ecosystem, there is evidence that they cause some damage to organisms in the Delta. Decades of USGS research have provided a good understanding of when, where, and how pesticides enter the Delta. However, pesticide use is continually changing. New field studies and methods are needed so that scientists can analyze which pesticides are present in the Delta, and at what concentrations, enabling them to estimate exposure and ultimate effects on organisms. Continuing research will provide resource managers and stakeholders with crucial information to manage the Delta wisely.

California↗